Welcome to Monday Morning in Orlando
Had an interesting experience over the weekend. I’d heard about Good Pour, but decided to finally wander in and check the place out. This is the lovely wine and spirits shop that gives 5% of your purchase, out of its profits, to a ton of charities, including those you can designate yourself in their app.
In today’s issue: 👇
- Nine Women, One Porch
- OnlyFansPickleball
- Lim Ros
- ….and much more
Did someone forward this email to you? If so, subscribe here.
Let’s dive in!
- Philip
ORLANDO REWIND ⏪
Nine Women, One Porch, 140 Years: The Winter Park Library Story
Back in December 1885, nine book-loving women decided their informal book-swapping circle deserved something grander. Thus, the Winter Park Circulating Library Association was born, literally on the porch of the Lamson house at 503 Interlachen Ave, open just twice a week for literary adventurers craving The Scarlet Letter and Jane Eyre.
This scrappy little library couldn't sit still. By 1886, it had hop-scotched to the Winter Park Company building, then landed its first real home in 1902 thanks to Boston architect George D. Rand and a generous land gift from the Francis Knowles Estate.
The post-World War II era brought serious upgrades, including the game-changing addition of air conditioning in 1959, pure luxury in steamy Florida.
Fast-forward to the 21st century, when Winter Park decided to go big. After voters said "yes" to a 2016 bond, the dazzling new Winter Park Library and Events Center burst onto the scene in December 2021.
Sir David Adjaye's architectural masterpiece features three rose-tinted concrete structures that look like upside-down Egyptian tombs, but way cooler, complete with sweeping arched windows showcasing gorgeous Lake Mendsen views.
From porch to architectural showstopper in 140 years? Not bad, Winter Park.
🔥Check out this stunning architecture right here.
THE SQUEEZE 🍊
Longwood's Pickleball Evangelist Serves Up Community
In Longwood, Terri Matthias is transforming lives one serve at a time.
This single mother of two discovered pickleball just a few years ago and has evolved from tournament winner to one of Central Florida's most sought-after coaches, all while working as a realtor.
Despite her competitive success, Terri chose community over personal glory. She coaches everyone from children to seniors at OnlyFansPickleball, understanding that an hour of pickleball equals 4,000 steps, but delivers infinitely more joy.
For older players, she provides crucial community connections that keep them mentally sharp and socially engaged.
Described as "a sweetheart hiding behind a New Jersey attitude," Terri's coaching intensity can make grown adults feel like they're back in high school athletics. Her motivational style pushes players beyond their comfort zones, but always with genuine care.
Terri doesn't just train, she transforms people into better versions of themselves. In a world where fitness often feels like a chore, she's cracked the code by making exercise disguise itself as pure fun.
Her quirky personality and passionate approach have made her the go-to pickleball evangelist in Central Florida.
Check out OnlyFansPickleball, right here.
👉 Want to tell me about a Community Superstar? Then, click here.
Orange County's Safety Makeover: 76 Projects That Are Actually Making Streets Awesome
Orange County's Accelerated Transportation Safety Program has been on a tear, cranking out 76 street improvements since 2023 that are making everyone's commute way less terrifying. The safety squad delivered 44 shiny new sidewalks, 25 lighting upgrades, and seven specialized fixes across all six districts.
Mayor Jerry L. Demings celebrated the transportation transformation spree, emphasizing how Orange County is building better access, mobility and efficiency through this ambitious initiative.
The hits keep coming: Rio Grande Avenue got crosswalk superpowers, Town Center Boulevard scored smart speed signs, and Kirby Smith Road received the full safety treatment. Plus, a $55 million LYNX boost triggered a whopping 35 percent ridership jump.
Bottom line? Orange County streets are finally getting the glow-up they deserved.
🚧 Check out the full list of improvements around Orlando, right here.
Orlando Keeps Property Taxes Frozen for Lucky Year 12
Orlando officials are monitoring developments as state lawmakers explore eliminating property taxes entirely, a shift that could reshape how cities fund basic services.
For the 12th straight year, Orlando kept its property tax rate frozen at 6.65 mills while unveiling its $1.8 billion budget Monday. Thanks to rising property values, the city's collecting an extra $21 million without raising rates, enough for 20 new police officers and full SunRail funding.
City Commissioner Patty Sheehan noted the practical implications: without property taxes, residents would see changes to police protection, fire services, road repairs, and basic infrastructure like waste management.
(Learn a lot more about this roof inspection program with Joe Byrnes, right here)
Wings of Wonder: Orlando's Heart Gets a Stunning New Canvas
Ready to spread your wings in downtown Orlando? Head to Discover Downtown at 201 S. Orange Avenue and meet "What Lifts You Orlando," a jaw-dropping new mural by Instagram-famous artist Kelsey Montague from Montague Art, LLC!
Known for creating wing murals that break the internet worldwide, Montague has whipped up something totally Orlando, mixing our city's iconic landmarks with serious good vibes.
This showstopper reflects the Community Redevelopment Agency's mission to jazz up public spaces with killer art. But here's the best part….it's not just eye candy!
Strike a pose within those wings, snap that perfect shot, and become part of a visual party celebrating Orlando's electric energy, creativity, and community spirit in The City Beautiful.
👉 Check out this awesome new mural, right here.
TASTY NEWS 🧑🍳
Orlando Area Eateries Coming & Going
Since launching this section over a year ago, I’ve focused on upcoming openings, meaning those announced now, but planning to open at a future date. I thought maybe ya’ll would like to hear about eateries that JUST opened, too.
#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸
Random morning walk discovery 😀
📷 via @orlandosignal |📍Lake Nona
Tag @orlandosignal to get your photo featured in the newsletter!
FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩
Lim Ros
📍933 S Orlando Ave, Maitland, FL 32751. Map to this location.
Situated between Maitland and Winter Park, Lim Ros Thai Restaurant (Insta) transforms traditional Thai cuisine into contemporary art.
Their seasonal menu showcases Thailand's diverse regions through masterfully crafted dishes using peak-freshness ingredients.
Signature offerings include zesty Tom Yum Soup, luxurious Massaman Curry, silky Pad Thai, aromatic Green Curry, boldly spiced Drunken Noodles, and heavenly Mango Sticky Rice.
Each plate transports diners on a voyage, accompanied by artisanal cocktails perfumed with authentic Thai botanicals.
Orlando's premier destination for exceptional Thai dining experiences.
👉 Check out the menu, right here 👈
Image Courtesy of Lim Ros
MORE PULP! 😎
Weekday things to check out
🎵 Cat Ridgeway at À La Cart
📅 Monday, July 21st,
📍 À La Cart SoDo
Orlando singer-songwriter performs while visiting from Colorado, featuring songs from her touring career with The Tourists.
👉 Sing Along
🎤 Free for Seniors: Songs of Sinatra Tribute Show
📅 Monday, July 21st | 3pm (doors 2:30pm)
📍 Orlando Event Venue, 3847 E Colonial Dr
Bill Stabile performs Frank Sinatra's greatest hits with style and swagger, plus refreshments and clinical research presentation.
👉 Ring-a-Ding-Ding
🎮 Game & Hobby Night at The Burrow
📅 Tuesdays | 5-8pm
📍 The Burrow Cafe & Play, Mills area
Weekly gathering for games, crafts, reading, and relaxation with drink specials available. 👉 Play Together
🎼 RESOLVE
📅 Tuesday, July 22nd | 7pm
📍 Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Central Florida vocal jazz quartet brings razor-sharp harmonies and fresh takes on timeless classics to their Judson's Live debut.
👉 Jazz Harmony
🍔 Tasty Takeover in The Milk District
📅 Tuesdays | 6:30-10pm
📍 The Milk District – 2424 E Robinson St
Orlando's premier weekly food truck block party featuring diverse culinary offerings behind the shops and bars.
👉 Dine Alfresco
🥛 State of The Milk
📅 Wednesday, July 23, 2025 | 6pm
📍 Elks Lodge 1079, 12 N. Primrose Dr
Community celebration featuring local entertainment, awards, silent auction, business expo, and networking for Milk District neighbors.
👉 RSVP for Free Drink
🍝 Italian Cooking Workshop
📅 Wednesday, July 23rd | 6-9pm
📍 Grace Hopper Hall, Baldwin Park
Hands-on interactive cooking experience exploring Italian cuisine with The Creative Kitchen, creating your own delicious menu.
👉 Cook Together
🌿 Late Night Thursdays
📅 Thursdays | 5-8pm
📍 Leu Gardens
Extended evening hours featuring the Origami in the Garden exhibit with picnicking and drinks allowed.
👉 Evening Stroll
🎹 Dueling Pianos Feat. Shake, Rattle & Roll
📅 Thursday, July 24th | 8:30-11:30pm
📍 Ole Red Orlando
Interactive musical entertainment where the crowd picks the playlist, from Britney Spears to Billy Joel to Blake Shelton.
👉 Request Away
THANKS!
✅ Interested in reaching smart readers like you for your business? To become an Orlando Signal ad partner, start a conversation here.
🎭 Do you put on events? Submit your event.
Thanks for reading! I’ll see you again on Thursday’s weekend fun issue.
My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal
